A diminutivecreates a meaning of ‘small’ or ‘little’. The most common diminutives are formed with the prefixmini- and with suffixes such as-letand-y. We often use a diminutive with names or with abbreviated names when we want to be more informal, or to express affection for someone or something:
There’s aminibusoutside waiting to take you all to the station.(minibus = a bus which is smaller than a standard bus)
Here’s abookletwhich gives advice on keep-fit.(booklet= a small book)
I can feel one or twodropletsof rain.(droplet= little drops of rain)
Right,Matty, I’ve got some very good news for you.(Mattyis formed from the name ‘Matthew’)
I think she’s the perfectkittyfor Jennifer.(kittyis formed from ‘kitten’ a young cat)
We sometimes use a diminutive -ywhen we don’t want or don’t need to be precise:
Her new dress was a sort ofblueycolour.(bluey= almost blue)
See also:
-ishand-y
Vague expressions